The Black Mafia Family (BMF) was one of the most notorious and successful drug trafficking and money laundering organizations in the United States. Founded by brothers Demetrius “Big Meech” Flenory and Terry “Southwest T” Flenory in the late 1980s, BMF operated in several states and had ties to Mexican cartels and the hip-hop industry. At its peak, BMF was estimated to have made over $270 million in profits from selling cocaine.
However, the BMF empire came crashing down in 2005, when federal agents arrested Big Meech and Southwest T along with dozens of their associates on racketeering charges. The arrests were the result of a long and complex investigation that involved wiretaps, surveillance, undercover agents, and informants. Among the informants were some of the BMF members who snitched on their bosses and cooperated with the government in exchange for reduced sentences or immunity.
Who were the BMF members who snitched?
According to various sources, some of the BMF members who snitched on Big Meech and Southwest T were:
- Omari “O-Dog” McCree: He was a close friend and associate of Big Meech who handled distribution in Atlanta. He reportedly told the feds that Big Meech supplied him with cocaine and gave them information about BMF’s structure, operations, and finances. He later changed his mind about testifying at trial, but his statements had already been recorded.
- William “Doc” Marshall: He was a high-ranking member of BMF who oversaw transportation and storage of cocaine from Mexico to Detroit. He was considered the star witness for the prosecution, as he provided detailed accounts of BMF’s activities, transactions, and violence. He also implicated Big Meech and Southwest T as the leaders of the organization.
- Chad “J-Bo” Brown: He was a BMF member who worked as a driver and bodyguard for Big Meech. He pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy charges and agreed to cooperate with the government. He testified against Big Meech at his sentencing hearing, describing him as a ruthless kingpin who ordered killings and beatings of rivals and disloyal members.
- Marlon “Big D” Reems: He was a BMF member who ran a drug stash house in Atlanta. He pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy charges and agreed to cooperate with the government. He testified against Big Meech at his sentencing hearing, admitting that he delivered cocaine for him and witnessed him shoot at a rival dealer.
- Ali “Ak” Jahani: He was a BMF member who worked as a courier and money launderer for Southwest T. He pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy charges and agreed to cooperate with the government. He testified against Southwest T at his sentencing hearing, revealing that he transported millions of dollars in cash for him and helped him hide his assets.
- Richard “Big Face” Porter: He was a BMF member who worked as a manager and enforcer for Southwest T. He pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy charges and agreed to cooperate with the government. He testified against Southwest T at his sentencing hearing, confirming that he was involved in drug trafficking, money laundering, and violence on his behalf.
There were also other BMF members who snitched on their co-defendants or provided information to the authorities, such as Fleming “Ill” Daniels, Anthony “Pone” Mathis, John “J-Rock” Davis, Demetrius “Kato” Fields, Tremayne “Mayne” Graham, Jason “J-Roc” Brown, Darryl “Pops” Johnson, Carlos “Los” Glover, Reginald “Reggie” Mathis, Eric “E-Bay” Bivens, Dwayne “Weezy” Alexander, Michael “Meechy” Lockhart Jr., Rodney “Rocky” Lockhart Sr., Rodney “Rocky” Lockhart Jr., Corey “C-Murder” Daniels, Anthony “Wolf” Jones, Mario “Rio” Stewart, Brian “B-Low” Brown.
What happened to Big Meech and Southwest T?
Big Meech and Southwest T faced a possible life sentence if convicted at trial. However, on the morning of their trial in November 2007, they decided to plead guilty to running a continuing criminal enterprise and avoid a jury verdict. They were both sentenced to 30 years in prison.
Big Meech is currently incarcerated at the United States Penitentiary, Lewisburg in Pennsylvania. He has maintained his innocence and appealed his conviction several times, but without success. He has also filed motions for a sentence reduction based on changes in the law or compassionate release due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but they have been denied. He is scheduled to be released in 2032.
Southwest T is currently incarcerated at the Federal Correctional Institution, Sheridan in Oregon. He has also appealed his conviction and filed motions for a sentence reduction, but they have been rejected. However, in May 2020, he was granted compassionate release due to the COVID-19 pandemic and his health issues. He was released to home confinement under strict conditions. He is scheduled to be released from supervision in 2026.
Conclusion
The BMF members who snitched on Big Meech and Southwest T played a crucial role in bringing down the BMF empire. Their cooperation with the government exposed the inner workings and secrets of one of the most powerful and notorious drug organizations in American history. Their testimonies also contributed to the convictions and sentences of Big Meech and Southwest T, who are still serving time in federal prison.
FAQs
Who was Big Meech?
Big Meech was the co-founder and leader of the Black Mafia Family (BMF), a drug trafficking and money laundering organization that operated in several states and had ties to Mexican cartels and the hip-hop industry.
Why did BMF members cooperate with the government?
BMF members cooperated with the government for various reasons, such as avoiding harsher sentences, getting immunity from prosecution, reducing their charges, or protecting themselves or their families from retaliation.
How long was Big Meech sentenced to?
Big Meech was sentenced to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to running a continuing criminal enterprise.
Who was Fleming “Ill” Daniels?
Fleming “Ill” Daniels was a BMF member who worked as a hitman for Big Meech. He was accused of killing several people on Big Meech’s orders, including rapper Wolf, who was T.I.’s friend and bodyguard. He pleaded guilty to murder and drug charges and agreed to cooperate with the government.
What was Operation Motor City Mafia?
Operation Motor City Mafia was the name of the federal investigation that targeted the BMF and resulted in the arrests of Big Meech, Southwest T, and dozens of their associates in 2005. The operation involved multiple agencies, such as the DEA, IRS, FBI, ATF, and local police departments.